I have been weighing up my options carefully over the last couple of years since my BCR was confirmed. My doubling time was slow (18 months) and I only had 2 active pelvic nodes. So I had SRT which resulted in a 30% drop in my PSA to 2.4ng/ml after 3 months. A bit early to be definitive of course but encouraging. Unfortunately subsequent PSA testing at six post TX showed the PSA dip was a blip as my PSA had returned to pre treatment levels. So what to do if anything?
For clarification I am 75 years, my health status is poor, with a multitude of comorbidity, the most salient of which is heart failure. Following a discussion with my Radiation Oncologist yesterday we have decided on a softly softly approach to try to maintain a reasonable quality of life while I am able to. To that end it we have decided against the usual first and second line treatements. The rationale being that flair in my heart failure would be guaranteed. Thus our plan of action is PSA monitoring every 3/12. A CT and perhaps a Bone Scan looking for new lesions in a year's time. Any new lesions found to be treated by another dose of SRT. So that is where I am currently at.
The reason for my post is to make people aware that comorbidity can have an impact far in excess of PCa. If my assumptions are incorrect and my PCa does matamorphosis from a kitten in to a raging tiger, I do have the assisted dying protocol which is available now in all states of Australia. I just recently observed the assisted dying protocol with an old friend who died with a smile on his face, following his dog licking his hand. It was a dignified end to a good life.
I am happy to answer genuine questions.
Edited by moderator 20 Nov 2025 at 12:29
| Reason: Thanks for your post. We appreciate you sharing your experience. We’ve approved it but removed the l